Hello everyone,   I’m writing to you from Italy! I’ve been a long-time enthusiast of military history, a passion that is deeply rooted in my family’s heritage.   My interest started with the story of my great-grandfather, who served in an elite unit of the Italian Army (Arditi) during World War I. Knowing he was part of such a specialized group has always made the history of that era feel very personal to me.   Additionally, I have a relative who collaborated closely with the United States Navy. Thanks to him, I was gifted a fascinating collection of US military blades. It’s the centerpiece of my collection, and I’m always looking to learn more about the specific history and craftsmanship behind these pieces.   I joined this forum to connect with fellow collectors, share insights, and perhaps get some help identifying specific items in the future. I'm looking forward to contributing to the community!   Best regards, Valerio

What is the width of the attached?    Is it 2"

Ok,so I get different results online everywhere I look...from German WW2, Russian to British....It seems the "real nappa " is not the maker but a leather tannery??....Some say the English writing meands it must be U.S or UK...The liner looks to be Soviet to me...Does anyone know for sure and info on this beauty....it is very well made....I saw one guy had for sale a pair of ww2 German officers gloves with the Elk Button..no provisions for headsets so I am leaning early??...scratching my head here....Thanks folks

I have a few that will be in ebook. 

It’s a project that I am three years behind but by summer I will have a free ebook that has examples of every known patch from the depots. 

A colorized photo of colonel Gerhard Wilck in a jeep after he surrendered the City of Aachen to the Allies after a fierce battle on 21 Oct 1944:     I wonder what is taped to the steering column, but I guess some sort of explosive/incendiary device to destroy the jeep when in danger of capture?   Also note the Studebaker M29 Weasel in the background.     

Aurélien has done an outstanding job! and this book is a must have for WW I collectors even if you don’t read French. Not to worry Aurélien is working on an English edition which he hopes to have out later this year. This book is reasonably priced and worth every penny. 

Outstanding  🥰

Although I live about a 10 min bicycle ride away from the beach and my city was a designated 'fortress' in the Atlantic Wall (being defended from all sides, not just the sea-side), unfortunately only the concrete bunkers remain; the rest has mostly been cleared long ago.   I did recover one of the metal barbed wire poles once after it was spotted by a friend's son during a run, but that friend is also a collector so he took it. I never saw another one here, either in the wild or someone's collection. The dunes here were cleared almost immediately after the war and most bunkers covered under sand, although a lot have been uncovered again in recent years after interest in them grew.   Johan, the poles you show don't seem to be in use?    

The Greater Indianapolis Military Show that was scheduled for 25 Apr 2026 at the Hamilton County Indiana 4H Fairgrounds has been cancelled. The September show at the same location is still scheduled.